Roman Polanski's film noir classic stars Jack Nicholson as private detective J.J. Gittes. The world he lives in is 1940's Los Angeles and the characters he must face are wonderfully written as well. The case this time leads him out to the deserts surrounding LA, where a water supply and land accquisition deal is in the works. Something that starts off as seemingly simple turns into a far more complex weave of twists and turns.

The performances are outstanding. Although Nicholson has given great performances in films as recently as "As Good As It Gets" and in older films like "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest", one could argue that this is his most intense and impressive effort. Director John Huston also turns in a strong performance as the villian of the story.

It's a film almost bursting with details and complex layers underneath its surface. It builds an entire world in the span of a little over two hours. Director Polanski, his cast and especially the talents of composer Jerry Goldsmith and cinematographer John Alanzo(who did the cinematography for Star Trek: Generations, as well) come together to make an absolute classic, and the quality of this DVD will certainly please fans of the movie.